Operating Times

Beachcomber cruise/ hike/ bike sailings depart from Picton at 8am and 9.00am between 1 October - 30 April, and from 9.00am for the rest of the year.

We are open 364 days a year
(closed Christmas Day).

Experience the Queen Charlotte Track with Beachcomber Cruises

The expert team of staff and skippers love to share their experience and knowledge of the Queen Charlotte Track. With their help experiencing the Queen Charlotte Track could not be easier. Choose a Track option, Book Online with Beachcomber Cruises and we will arrange your accommodation, water transport and pack transfers. You'll soon find yourself exploring the scenic, bush-fringed inland waterways of the Marlborough Sounds with its sub-tropical rainforest and abundance of wildlife.

With regular daily scheduled departures from Picton and a varied number of Queen Charlotte Track walk and mountain bike options available there is no better way to experience the unique land/sea environment of the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track.

When you journey with us, you cruise in safety and comfort, aboard vessels designed to highlight the spectacular scenery and surroundings.

2014 Certificate of Excellence Winner

*One bag (20kg max) per person. Extra luggage can be stored at Picton, ask us for details if you require this.

Walk or Bike the Queen Charlotte TRack

If you have three to four days, the Track and Pack Pass (from Ship Cove to Anakiwa) is the ultimate way of experiencing the 71 kilometre Queen Charlotte Track. We will take you to Ship Cove at the northern end of the Marlborough Sounds and, while you are on the track, will collect and drop off your luggage* at your chosen accommodation, which includes camp sites, homestays and resorts.

The Queen Charlotte Track can be walked year round and passes through a range of terrain. You will experience lush native bush and dazzling sea views, ridges and hilltops, beaches and coastline forest. The Track is part of the Te Araroa pathway.

If time is limited, we can tailor a cruise/ hike/mountain bike package to suit your timeframe and fitness levels. Or you can choose one of our day walks or mountain bike packages. Please note the track between Ship Cove and Camp Bay is closed to mountain bikes from 1 December-31 March.

Family Owned & Operated

Beachcomber Cruises is a family owned and operated (Picton based) water transport service. Our friendly, knowledgeable office staff will help plan your trip along the beautiful Queen Charlotte track and our experienced team of skippers and crew will make sure you get there safely.